Almost as difficult as reinventing the wheel – architecturally speaking – is transforming a typology: taking a building style so familiar as to be embedded in the collective memory, and doing it differently. And not for novelty’s sake, but rather to reinterpret a beloved historic genre through the considerations of contemporary family life, changing aesthetic tastes, and sustainable building practice.

Such were the challenges faced by R+B in the design of Woodlands, a residence nestled in a magnificent valley, beside a pristine lake reflecting sublime mountain views. The architectural model was the national park lodge, a typology associated with rustic grandeur, fast friendship, and the celebration of the American West. All of these traditions remained relevant to the house’s design. But both outside and within, we transformed the late 19th/early 20th century public model to suit the predilections of a modern family in a 21st-century private home.

The austere front façade hews closely to the ‘parkitecture’ ideal, with only a back-tilted ‘battered’ stone wall surrounding the front door – suggestive of a temple portal – to subvert expectations. In back, conversely, we took the post-and-beam motif typically associated with traditional lodge interiors and transformed it into an exoskeleton, in the form of a gracious, pergola-style covered porch running the full length of the back elevation, and continuing along the house’s eastern end.

On the interior – replacing a park lodge’s typical aesthetic and social cacophony – the cross-axial plan avoids visual noise and decorative kitsch: apart from the dramatic view from the front door, through the entry and double-height living room, to the lake, the layout is soothingly traditional, with discrete rooms unfolding in a relaxed rhythm; the interior architecture, executed in robust natural materials, offers the clarity and simplicity associated with modern design and contemporary living.

The project incorporates such advanced strategies as maximizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency, via geothermal and solar components, while addressing resiliency and well-being. Filtered outdoor air circulates throughout the interior, finished with natural, non-toxic materials; construction decisions favored lower carbon materials and structural systems, prioritizing wood over steel, and natural insulation over foam. The outcome is a house that not only supports the aesthetic and domestic aspirations of its residents, but stands as a paradigm for near net-zero sustainable design.

The first objective was to create a modern indoor/outdoor space which pays homage to the natural landscape. Westcliffe is situated on 35-acres with breathtaking views in all directions. The goal for the remodel was to keep the original foundation intact, yet redirect the living spaces to focus on the views, thus blurring the lines between the interior and exterior world. The second objective was to create a modern home for an active, modern family. As a family of six with staff and numerous house guests, the client required a functional home built with practical, livable materials.

The home’s program was flipped 180 degrees to re-focus on the views. The entry and garage were relocated, opening the rear of the house to the untouched wilderness of the Lenado Valley. Custom sliding glass wall panels open onto comfortable patios eliminating the boundaries between outside and in. Exterior reflecting pools extend the viewfrom the foreground to the distant peaks providing tranquility to an otherwise busy lifestyle. The simple and rational floor plan meets the needs of an active family by flanking the upper level of the house with a private master suite and a family wing which are connected by several large communal gathering spaces. The program also includes his and her private offices, a media/rec room, and guest suites.

Materials such as porcelain tile, stainless steel cabinetry, and integral-color concrete countertops allow the family to live, work, and play without restraint. The interior décor echoes the simplicity of the architecture, while evoking a sophisticated comfort accented with antiques of indigenous cultures. The color palette is neutral and consistent, and the furnishings are without frills or unnecessary decoration. The design and landscape provide a canvas backdrop for this vibrant family to fill with their personal experiences.

Westcliffe is set on a bucolic, 35-acre site with epic views of Aspen’s ski mountains and the lush Lenado Valley to the north. The original project, completed by R+B in 2010, included a phased design approach that planned for flexibility to accommodate the family’s growing needs. The first phase transformed a traditional, non-site specific 9,700 SF home into a 14,500 SF modern resort inspired residence. The home’s program was flipped 180 degrees to re-focus on the views that surround the house on all sides.

For further enjoyment of the property, the second phase encompasses a stone path that meanders along the cliff from the existing house to an expansive patio with a pool and spa positioned to capture valley views through carefully planted trees. At the end of the patio, a new 500 SF pavilion features a flat roof and glass walls that blur the boundaries between inside and out, and which complement the orientation and program of the original home. Windows within the pavilion reveal the Elk Mountain Range beyond. Custom designed furnishings in neutral tones further enhance the modern design.

A Legacy Redefined: Modernizing a Home to Embrace Views, Light, and Sustainability

Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, this remodel transforms a legacy home perched above a dramatic river valley with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The design reimagines the property while respecting its historical roots, maintaining its existing structure and zoning non-conformities, and artfully balancing a seamless blend of modernity and timeless charm. The steep slopes and natural landscape are preserved, ensuring the design harmonizes with the environment while offering a private and serene retreat for its residents.

Design Goals and Objectives

The primary objective was to preserve the home’s breathtaking views and its unique interplay between public and private spaces while improving circulation, natural light, and functionality. By introducing a lighter, refined material palette, the interiors are brightened and imbued with a modern yet enduring aesthetic. Iterative design methods, including advanced rendering and VR tools, guided the evolution of the project, allowing the design team to distill the concept into a cohesive expression of form and function. Trust from the client, paired with the design team’s vision, led to the creation of a space that is both sophisticated and inviting—a sanctuary for family living and entertaining.

Challenges and Solutions

Phased construction played a pivotal role in maintaining the project’s momentum and adhering to tight schedules. Dividing the scope into manageable change orders minimized review times, keeping the process efficient. The site’s constraints—including steep slopes and existing approvals—required careful planning. The design team crafted the exterior approach to avoid disrupting sensitive terrains and strategic landscaping enhanced the transition between public and private zones. Close collaboration between designers, contractors, and building officials streamlined the process and delivered a polished, innovative result.

Sustainability

Sustainability drives the heart of this remodel, aiming for near net-zero energy performance. A ground source heat pump system and a large solar array provide efficient heating and cooling while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Zoned HVAC systems allow precise control, ensuring minimal energy waste. Extensive insulation upgrades and passive design strategies, such as maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, further enhance the home’s energy efficiency. Deconstruction techniques during demolition ensured significant material reuse and recycling, reducing environmental impact of this remodel and fostering a circular economy approach to construction.

A Celebration of Form and Function

At its core, this project is a celebration of architectural refinement. A distilled palette of modern wood, metal, and stone carries through the design, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior. Key features such as the reimagined staircases and enlarged entertaining spaces enhance the home’s fluidity and function, while technological advancements modernize lighting and control systems for effortless living. This remodel epitomizes the potential of thoughtful design: respecting the past while reimagining the future, creating a home that is as innovative as it is timeless.

This project is more than a remodel; it is a statement—a legacy preserved and elevated for generations to come.

Set in a prime location at the base of Aspen Mountain, this long-loved vacation townhome underwent a full upgrade to accommodate a multi-generational family.

At three stories and with a loftlike Soho Club vibe, the upper level features a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and skylights. Kitchen, dining, and multiple seating groups for gathering, lounging, reading, and working open onto a balcony overlooking town and the mountain views. An expanded open stair with a new glass guard rail allows natural light to filter down to levels below, which encompass a trio of primary suites and a bunk room. An elevator provides easy access between levels.

The remodel was completed in close collaboration with Bradley Stephens of New York-based Stephens Design Group. A complementary exterior remodel included updating and staining windows and refinishing wood soffits.

Urban. Sleek. Open. Inviting. Elegant. Located within The Jacquard hotel in Denver’s dynamic Cherry Creek North neighborhood, this 3,500 square foot restaurant is tailored to perfection.

Inspired by the locale, increasingly considered the place to be for a younger, forward-thinking clientele, the sleek, high-end interior design concept is intended to pique curiosity and invite exploration.

Close collaboration with and interactivity among the client, architects, interior designers, consultants and owners has enabled the creation of a cohesive, uniquely appealing establishment that engages with the neighborhood and will quickly become Denver’s newest gathering place.

The White House Tavern is operated by Hillstone Restaurant Group and located on a prominent street corner in Aspen. The miner’s cabin was originally constructed in 1883 and is a historic landmark in the City of Aspen including two historic buildings and the alley shed also on site.

R+B worked extensively with the City of Aspen Historic Preservation Commission to restore and rehabilitate these structures which earned R+B and Hillstone the 2014 Historic Presentation Commission Award for Renovation.

The interior fireplace was kept in its original location within the cabin. The interiors are warm and inviting, with reclaimed wood floors, an exhibition kitchen, wood paneled walls and banquette style seating. A sensitive and complementary modern brick addition on the backside of the cabin houses the exhibition kitchen. The new brick patio and landscape pay homage to the scale of the building.

Nestled on Aspen Highlands, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro welcomes all mid-mountain visitors to an intimate European inspired dining experience. The historic abode cabin milieu invites guests for lunch, dinner and après ski experiences. Interior renovations include expanding the dining room seating capacity, creating a private dining experience with sweeping views of the Maroon Bells and improving back-of-the house environment. Paying homage to Aspen’s rich alpine history, interiors are refurbished with wood paneling, robust alpine furniture and unique mountain memorabilia.

Perfectly sited to capture dramatic Aspen Mountain views, the interior renovation of this five–bedroom, 7,874 square foot Red Mountain home involved a close collaboration between the R+B team and the New York City based owners – a curator of modern and contemporary Asian art with a Guggenheim Museum affiliation and a financier-philanthropist, respectively.

Appreciating the scale and flow of the home, the project team worked to contemporize the older French Chateau-style structure and re-imagine aspects of the interior space.

The ample kitchen was modernized and reworked to accommodate the personal needs of the owners, as well as for catering and entertaining purposes. Ceiling beams were added to enhance to the formal dining room. The hall to the primary bedroom was dramatically opened and a new bedroom seating area specified to take advantage of mountain views. Furniture selection was in collaboration with Atelier AM.

Upon completion, a tranquil, sophisticated setting reflects the sensibilities of the owners and embraces the serenity of the surrounding environment.

The remodel of this significant mountainside home in Aspen, CO, which featured a formal layout and traditional detailing, successfully blends elements of old and new in every aspect with a clean material palette. In addition to updating finishes, the R+B team improved flow and storage areas throughout and created opportunities to display the owners’ extensive modern art collection.

In the kitchen, spaces were rearranged to open up the floor plan by replacing a butler’s pantry with a wet bar and clever storage compartments. Saltillo tile flooring was replaced with white oak to match the existing public spaces, and the original cabinets were redone with updated white oak cabinets topped with Calacatta marble at the room’s perimeter. The kitchen island is equipped with warming drawers and outlets for catering larger gatherings and utilizes a Glassos slab top. In order to accommodate a large family, an adjoining mudroom was reorganized and outfitted with storage solutions for multiple family members. The media room features updated millwork, including a new bar area and storage for games and toys, as well as a new lighting system. Design elements in the master bedroom and bathroom include maximizing storage within the roof and dormer spaces of the upper floor, while incorporating clean detailing that update these spaces such as wool and silk carpet, white plaster walls, and black slate fireplace surround.

R+B also transformed an existing Old World style home wine cellar into a refined, functional space for storing and showcasing a significant wine collection. Uniform grids of white oak bins are recessed into the wall and framed in blackened steel. The centerpiece is a substantial display table made of honed black slate with a waterfall edge countertop and additional built-in storage. A white oak ceiling cloud centered over the display table and featuring hidden light coves provides additional depth to the space. New humidity and temperature control systems, and a fingerp­rint scanner linked to the home’s security system, are state-of-the-art.